USFS supports logging of Dargon Point young-growth stand

Posted: March 8, 2013 - 12:06am

JUNEAU EMPIRE

KETCHIKAN — As part of a plan to transition from old-growth to young-growth harvest, the U.S. Forest Service’s Tongass National Forest is offering young-growth sales as they become available, according to a recent release from the USFS.

The Dargon Point project, the release stated, is the most recent young-growth project on the Tongass, and will provide timber to the current Southeast Alaska timber industry.

The Dargon Point project identifies around 2.5 million board feet of mature — 60-70 years old — young-growth timber from a 70 acre stand. Methods include clear-cutting 54 acres and thinning 16 beach fringe acres. The selected alternative was created in response to public scoping of the proposed action for the project. Approximately one mile of new road will be constructed using an existing rock pit. The project area is located near Naukati on Prince of Wales Island.

“This project is in line with the intent of the Transition Framework, which outlines a commitment to economic growth that’s environmentally responsible in Southeast Alaska.” said Perry Edwards, Acting Thorne Bay District Ranger. “This area has one of the higher concentrations of young-growth that has grown to commercial size on the Tongass.”

The Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact are available for review at http://go.usa.gov/23fh. This decision is subject to administrative review. The Notice of Appeal must be in writing, meet the appeal content requirements at 215.14, and be filed with the Appeal Deciding Officer: Forest Supervisor, Forrest Cole, Tongass Supervisors Office, Ketchikan, 648 Mission Street, Ketchikan, AK 99901. Fax items to 907-228-6292, or send by email to appeals-alaska-tongass@fs.fed.us.

The Notice of Appeal must be filed by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, April 15.